On Monday, May 23, 2005, all eyes at Tollesboro Elementary were turned to the sky as they witnessed the landing of the PHI Air Medical of Kentucky helicopter.

The landing occurred in honor of the Lewis County Primary Care Center (LCPCC) and its entities teaming up with PHI Air to offer landing sites adjacent to both the Lewis County Family Health Center and Tollesboro Family Health Center. The children were able to tour the helicopter and a few even managed to test out the comfy seats. Curiosity surged among many of the kids as they explored around the helicopter.

With interlocking missions, both LCPCC and PHI wish to provide the communities of which they serve with the most advanced, quality care in the most cost efficient way.

Establishing two landing sites within Lewis County will not only benefit the citizens, but EMS officials, firefighters and the police department as well. The addition of these landing sites will result in quick response times and rapid transportations for emergencies in the area since the closest hospital is approximately 30 miles away in both directions.

"It is rewarding to include PHI Air in the growth process of the LCPCC's entities. Having the opportunity to team up with these medical specialists allows us to enhance our services throughout the community. It was a thrill to have our first landing site at Tollesboro Elementary, letting the children share in our excitement," stated Jerry Ugrin, CEO of LCPCC.

PHI Air Medical of Kentucky was founded in 1949 logging more than nine million flight hours. The medical transport system serves all of Kentucky as well as many surrounding states. 

Each aircraft is supported by a critical care nurse and a critical care paramedic with extensive experience and training in their profession prior to becoming flight personnel for PHI. The flight team also includes emergency medical specialists who are available for patient consultations and crew direction 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

About one third of PHI transports are trauma patients, one half are cardiac patients, five percent are pediatric, and the rest have various medical conditions.

LCPCC is a non-profit organization that has operated for 22 years under a federal grant which allows them to provide a full range of modern medical care to families of Lewis, Fleming, and other surrounding counties. It is continual mission of LCPCC to keep healthcare and pharmaceuticals cost affordable for its patients. LCPCC and its entities are in the top five percent of all medical facilities nationwide based on technology and low cost services.

For more information on their complete range of services or to schedule an appointment, please contact our family health centers: Lewis County Family Health Center (Vanceburg) 606-796-3029, Tollesboro Family Health Center 606-798-3151, and Fleming County Family Health Center 606-845-0028.

Stanfield Real Estate and Auction had a week-long Grand Opening celebration in May, with an official ribbon cutting ceremony on May 12.

Craig Stanfield took an old, dilapidated building prominently located at the intersection of Ky. Rt. 10 and Ky. Rt. 57, and renovated the structure.

"To give an indication of how bad the building was," Stanfield said, "one of my contractors 'stepped through' the flooring in the former bath."

Stanfield noted that portions of the building were raised as much as 2.5 inches in some places and a significant number of basement jacks were placed in the basement to stabilize the foundation. Also, a "dry-lock" paint was used to waterproof the basement.

"My own mother said I was 'crazy' to attempt to undertake the renovation," Stanfield said, "but I think that she is pleasantly pleased with the outcome."

The renovation included exterior siding, soffit, fascia and trim, including the use of "fish scale" exterior siding to dress up the building on either gable end. There were also new guttering, doors, windows (including stained glass), porch decks, wiring and plumbing connected to public water and sewer.

The pine softwood floors were refinished. An abundance of new interior moldings and trim were added, ceramic floor tiling laid, and some wainscoting installed in the kitchen and bath. Both of those rooms required new subfloors. Much of the material was purchased at auction.

New commercial type windows were installed and professionally lettered to identify the office. To make the building more efficient, a "tankless" water heater was installed, low wattage bulbs placed in the lighting fixtures, and solar exterior lighting.

The office provides for a reception area, conference room, large multi-desk area, a kitchen and full bath. Access to the basement, which will be used for storage, is by spiral staircase.

A Garrison teen died last week as the result of injuries sustained in a single vehicle accident in Greenup County on May 23.

According to a spokesman with the Ashland Post of the Kentucky State Police, Michael L. Tomlin, 18, was traveling east on Leatherwood Road and apparently lost control of a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier.

The vehicle struck two trees and came to rest against a third tree.

The spokesman said excessive speed and a rain-covered roadway apparently contributed to the accident.

Tomlin was pronounced dead at the scene by Greenup County Deputy Coroner Rick Music.

Services were conducted May 26 with arrangements under the direction of Evans Funeral Home in Raceland.